I'm a cynical git at times and very much a pessimist when it comes down to what we get from the club in terms of content. But in the same breath, you could also say I'm hugely optimistic about Aston Villa - especially now we've got Martin O'Neill.

I'm optimistic because I believe the biggest individual factor in having a successful team, in any line of business, is the management. O'Neill is an excellent manager and because of that he will get the best out of our, currently, 19 players.

Part of having a successful team is belief. You have to believe you can achieve your targets because if you go into the season expecting to finish top eight, you'll not finish very much higher.

'We now have 19 players that we know are going to be added to this month, who are all raring to go and up for the fight. Who was it that said you don't win the league with youngsters?'


Villa striker Ashley Young believes the club can finish in a European spot this season and he also says Villa could even break into the top four. You know what, I'll stick my next out and say I believe it's also possible.

OK, it's a long shot but in any line of business you've got to have a list of optimistic targets. Top of that list for Villa, but probably not the most optimistic, will be to finish in a Champions League spot.

"Realistically that's what we're looking to do and I think it's well within our grasp. We think Aston Villa can even break into the top four" - Ashley Young, August 4 2007

Sure, some of you are now going to say it's not possible or we haven't got the squad or we're not ready or you could come up with any other excuse and some will think they're all viable. However, in response I'll say, everything is possible and we might not need a bigger squad and how do you know we're not ready?

The deadwood has gone. We now have 19 players that we know are going to be added to this month, who are all raring to go and up for the fight. Who was it that said you don't win the league with youngsters?

While I don't expect it this season and won't be disappointed if we don't achieve Champions League football, I will expect a serious challenge the season after and will be disappointed if we don't get it.

My point is, if the players and management all believe it's possible, why shouldn't we?

So, before I go, well done Ashley. Behaviour breeds behaviour and you've got to believe something is possible before achieving it. I salute you.